League of Women Voters of Waltham hosts School Committee candidates night

The League of Women Voters of Waltham hosted a panel-style Q&A with the four Waltham School Committee candidates on Oct. 23 at the Clark Government Center.

The second event in a three-part Candidates Night series in collaboration with The Waltham Times was an opportunity for voters to meet candidates Liz AlJammal, Tammy Wong-Bigelow, Debbie Coleman and Sabrina Shams DeJoannis. The four candidates are vying for three seats on the school committee.

Moderator Kathy Luvisi, former LWV Waltham president, asked candidates four rounds of questions. Each round included a unique prompt for individual candidates, with two minutes to respond.

The Q&A covered topics from Waltham Public Schools state testing scores and student mental health to district leadership retention.

Candidates also gave opening and closing statements for the audience of constituents, highlighting their priorities if elected.

AlJammal, a current School Committee member, responded to questions about updated graduation requirements, district strengths, advantages and disadvantages of specialized schools like the Waltham Dual Language School and Waltham Valor High School, and the committee’s response to an increasing number of English language learner students and students with learning accommodations.

“I am and always will be student-focused,” AlJammal said. “Every decision I make is grounded in data, student outcomes and the voices of our young people.”

Nonincumbent Tammy Wong-Bigelow discussed goals for elementary reading and math, improving equity, causes and solutions regarding staff retention, and increasing the accessibility of School Committee meetings.

“I think that with my broadened perspective through my experience, I will serve students, teachers and parents of Waltham,” Wong-Bigelow said, “and help us elevate to meeting higher expectations and achieve greater potential in our schools.” 

Debbie Coleman, an incumbent and the committee’s vice chair, spoke on student mental health and achievement as areas needing improvement, the committee’s role in district responses to federal and state mandates, improving Waltham High School’s Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education accountability ranking, and the importance of equity to Superintendent Marisa Mendonsa and the School Committee.

“My focus has always been and will continue to be our students,” Coleman said. “Ensuring that every child in Waltham has access to a high-quality, equitable education and that we plan thoughtfully with the future of our district.”

Nonincumbent Sabrina Shams DeJoannis, commented on increasing classroom aides to support teachers in preparing students to learn, improving student stamina for standardized tests, hiring more mental health resources, and utilizing other community space to hold adult education programs.

“Every student deserves to reach their potential and enjoy a full school experience with inspiring adults around them who remove barriers and spark their curiosity,” DeJoannis said.

The Q&A portion concluded with a tough question, asking candidates their favorite thing about the city.

Candidates shared their appreciation for Waltham’s diversity, supportive nature and overall sense of community as well as its parks and other green spaces.

Luvusi ended the evening by reminding the public to vote on Nov. 4.

Videos of the event can be viewed on Channel 781 News.